What I enjoy the most about paddling is that you don’t always have to paddle competitively, I also enjoy paddling with family and friends for fun.
-Scarlett Florisson, Canoe Marathon
The Florissons share a passion for paddling, but each for different reasons. For Hunter it’s about setting and achieving goals. For Izzy, it’s the adrenaline rush coupled with achievement.
For Scarlett, her love of paddling goes beyond competition. Read on to discover what enticed her from the shore and into a kayak, what keeps her coming back for more, and what we need more of in the WA paddling world.
The accidental paddler
Us: So Scarlett, why did you take up paddling?
Scarlett: I took up paddling kind of accidentally, I was bored waiting for Hunter to finish his sessions, so I decided to try paddling and I really enjoyed it.
More than competition
Us: What do you enjoy most about paddling?
Scarlett: What I enjoy the most about paddling is that you don’t always have to paddle competitively; I also enjoy paddling with family and friends for fun.
Paddling dreams
Us: What is your ultimate paddling dream?
Scarlett: To be able to represent Australia at the Canoe Marathon World Championships in both K1 and K2.
Fun, friends and fitness
Us: What do you consider to be the benefits of paddling?
Scarlett: There are lots of benefits like making good friends and having fun but having a healthy lifestyle is one of biggest benefits. I have also had the privilege of racing and paddling in some amazing locations all over Australia.
Calling all Juniors!
Us: What difficulties have you faced chasing your dream?
Scarlett: There aren’t a lot of juniors who train and compete in Marathon paddling so it can be lonely at times, the oldies are great and very encouraging but it would be good to have more juniors! It’s also hard being so far away from the other states to see where you rank among other paddlers of your age.
Why paddling in WA is so great!
Us: Tell us about your experience paddling in WA
Scarlett: WA has a great paddling community, good weather and heaps of different paddling spots so it is a great place to paddle and lots of different disciplines to try out. The paddling community is also really friendly and encouraging.
Some final words…
Us: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Scarlett: Even if you don’t want to get out and race give paddling a go as its great fun you can do at any age and with your friends and family.
Thank you Scarlett!
Scarlett, thank you for sharing your paddling experiences with us. We love that you enjoy paddling at every level, from fun with friends and family to fierce competition. Proof that paddling can be enjoyed at every level. No excuses!
We wish you the best with your paddling endeavours and look forward to watching you compete and have fun on the water.